Nine-man Kibuli produced one of the best performances of this year’s Copa Coca Cola Championships as they eliminated hosts Masaka SS as the quarter finals took center stage at the Masaka Recreation Ground on Thursday.

The defending champions beat the hosts 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a dramatic first quarter final match played after a morning downpour.

Kibuli took an early lead when their striker Adam Musisi capitalized on a through pass, with the ball getting stuck in the mud to slot the ball past advancing Masaka goalkeeper Ronald Kiberu.

Kibuli seemed to be in control before the center referee took center stage. He awarded Masaka a controversial penalty, which was followed by ugly protests from Kibuli players before they briefly allowed it to be taken and scored by Jacob Okao.

After, they continued confronting the referee which led to the dismissasl of their captain Fred Tabu. Tempers flared again as the players attacked the referee with goal scorer Adam Musisi sending several kicks towards the referee in the ensuing melee.

He also thereafter saw red as the excited police shot once in the air as other officials stormed the pitch before the break with the match at 1-1.

Realising they were short of numbers Kibuli resorted to a defensive game but also continued attackin whenever the opportunity arose with Julius Poloto, Moses Aliro and Allan Okello dictating play.

At one point you couldn’t tell the difference as the nine men dominated play to send the game to spot kicks.

Goalkeeper Edgar Otim who saved Kibuli against Buhobe in the round of 16 was again the hero saving Masaka’s Jacob Okao and Ronald Sempala’s kicks before Zedi Ochegere hit his against the upright.

Julius Poloto, Moses Aliro and Joel Jangeyange scored for Kibuli to put them on course to defend their title.

In the second quarter final match Jinja SS’s Joel Madondo grabbed a hat-trick as they sailed 5-1 win over Mbarara representatives Citizen High.

Citizen goalkeeper Paddy Otudo was taken out unconscious after he collided with Madondo after the striker had got his first.

Ivan Wani and Ibrahim Sajjabi got the other goals for Jinja while Woz Makeuth headed in Citizen’s consolation.